Sheffield United: Che Adams is expected to travel to Grimsby Town

Che Adams is set to be named in Sheffield United’s squad for this afternoon’s friendly at Grimsby Town, despite continued uncertainty surrounding his future at Bramall Lane.

Manager Chris Wilder withdrew Adams from the team which visited Halifax on Tuesday evening after it emerged he had been the subject of a £1.2m bid by Birmingham City.

Although United’s board of directors rejected that offer - “It fell short of our valuation,” Wilder later said - the England youth international was last night expecting to be recalled for the visit to Blundell Park following talks with the League One club’s coaching staff.

“It’s an important game,” Wilder insisted. “There are two weeks before the start of the season and there are still places in the side up for grabs.

“Everyone should be fighting for their place all the time. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is or what type of game it is. That’s the mentality we’ve got to have.”

Despite seeing their initial approach rebutted, City remain interested in Adams. Sources close to St Andrews have confirmed they could try and tempt United with a cash-plus-player package while Championship rivals Wigan Athletic are also known to be monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation closely.

Chris Wilder is expected to include Che Adams in the party which visits Grimsby Town this afternoon

Wilder, who must decide whether to hand Adams a prominent role against Paul Hurst’s side or simply include him in the travelling party, hopes to make another breakthrough in the transfer market before next month’s League One opener at Bolton Wanderers. Leon Clarke is still a target after Bury rejected United’s initial approach earlier this week.

Coventry City are also keen on Clarke but are reticent to pay a fee for a player who scored 18 goals in 37 appearances last season. United’s pursuit of the former Sheffield Wednesday centre-forward is not thought to be dependent on selling Adams.

With around 2,000 supporters making the journey to north Lincolnshire today, Wilder has told his players they are obliged to “put in a performance” after being beaten at The Shay.

“It’s an amazing about of fans to take and we should be giving them something to enjoy and shout about,” he said. “As I say, there’s no such thing as a friendly. Not when you are at this club.”

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has had a �1.2m bid rejected by Sheffield United for Che Adams